Protecting Those Living with Dementia: A Conversation with Kevin Jameson of Dementia Society
- Guest Author
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
How proactive planning and biometrics can make a difference.
App Developer, My Family ID™, Interviews Kevin Jameson, CEO of the National Nonprofit Charity, Dementia Society of America®.
Dementia is a long, emotion-filled journey, not just for those experiencing cognitive decline but also for their families and care partners. This “road” traverses the shifting tectonics of altered realities, profound emotional and physical changes, and, critically, a heightened risk of elopement, putting vulnerable adults at risk. The fear of a loved one going missing is a constant concern for many families, highlighting the importance of compassionate support and proactive safety measures.
This is where organizations like the Dementia Society of America (DSA), become beacons of hope and practical assistance. My Family ID™ aligns itself with organizations like DSA, which are making a difference in caring for the vulnerable. We interviewed Kevin Jameson, the Founder and CEO of this immeasurably important organization, about the work being done to protect our aging adults with cognitive issues.
Dementia Society of America stands as a leading national nonprofit dedicated to providing essential support, education, and resources to families and individuals impacted by Dementia, with the goal of improving the quality of life for all affected. My Family ID proudly recommends organizations that do amazing, life-changing work. Through their tireless efforts, DSA works to enhance understanding, promote well-being, and advocate for the dignity and safety of every person living with and impacted by Dementia.
"When a loved one with cognitive impairment goes missing, words cannot describe the panic and dread that their loved ones feel," said Detective Chuck Still (Ret.), Founder of My Family ID. “Silver alerts or missing adult cases are worked firsthand as a detective. That's why I deeply admire organizations like Dementia Society of America. Their dedication to supporting families and providing crucial resources aligns perfectly with My Family ID's mission to empower caregivers with the tools for immediate identification."
Protecting Those Living with Dementia
It’s not uncommon, the Dementia Society states, for a person living with Dementia, at some point, to experience one or more “critical wandering” events. These events, in law enforcement, are technically called elopement, the physical act of an individual leaving a safe environment undetected. Unfortunately, many simply call it “wandering,” but this is a mistake. Wandering, which may include rummaging, are common behaviors for all of us, and they may even be enjoyable, for example: wandering in a garden to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds, or rummaging through old knick-knacks to spark memories of good times from the past.
However, wandering becomes a critical event when someone puts themselves in harm’s way, becoming confused about their location, how old they are, and while seeking out a safe place (childhood home, vacation spot, or long-time workplace) which may not exist or, their parents who are no longer are living. In these cases, the urgency of proactive safety measures, like having a recent photo and a record of a loved one's fingerprints to provide to first responders, cannot be overstated.
“I know the heart-wrenching panic firsthand. I remember vividly one incident many years ago when my wife moved into the driver’s seat while I was in a store and drove off. I did ultimately find her much further away in the parking lot, but you can imagine the distance someone can cover in a short amount of time; they may end up hours away before you know it. Fortunately, law enforcement understands the gravity of this. They deal with difficult situations every day, but they never take a missing person call lightly because they know the stakes. The challenge, then, becomes ensuring that you can alert law enforcement agencies and get them to respond fast enough”, added Jameson.
Why Did Kevin Jameson Start the Dementia Society of America?
Dementia Society of America was born not from corporate strategy, but from profound personal experience. Jameson established the organization after his first wife developed Dementia, a journey that brought the realities of the syndrome all too close to home. Through his experience, Jameson recognized a huge need for accessible, practical education for all those navigating this difficult path. He also realized he wasn't alone.
“At DSA presentations, when audiences are asked who has been impacted by Dementia, nearly 90% of the hands go up. It is a challenge that touches virtually everyone, directly or indirectly,” explained Jameson.
Today, DSA serves as a vital 'on-ramp' to understanding, helping thousands of families annually turn fear into preparedness and ensuring those facing the risks of critical wandering never have to do so alone.
Who Does the Dementia Society of America Serve?
Dementia Society of America is the nation’s leading volunteer-driven all-Dementia awareness organization with a board of directors and advisory council composed entirely of volunteers, supported by a small paid staff.
“Unlike other nonprofits, our organization has more volunteers than paid employees. This is really a testament to just how many lives Dementia touches. As the leading all-Dementia awareness organization, our focus right now is on broad awareness rather than specific diseases and disorders which can cause Dementia. We have been seen and heard on TV, radio, taxis, and billboards over 3 billion times in the last four years through public outreach in the U.S. and Canada,” reflected Jameson with pride.
Through their information and support services, DSA helps thousands of families annually. This support is becoming increasingly vital as the "Baby Boomer" generation lives longer due to medical advances in other areas, leaving Dementia as one of the last remaining significant health challenges. The impact, Jameson says, is universal.
Dementia Society of America’s education and information programs aim to reach a broad audience through multimedia efforts and, ultimately, improve the quality of life for those who are facing Dementia, including those:
Living with a form of Dementia
Acting as caregivers/care partners
Who are isolated from friends and family
Who have spent down their life savings
Who are now on medical subsidies
Who are beginning to observe early signs of cognitive impairment
Who are educators and safety partners seeking practical safety tools
DSA also provides materials and resources to small businesses, larger corporations, civic organizations, and communities-at-large.
“Any resources, tools, or even available apps that can help reduce the risks or increase the likelihood of better outcomes go a long way to providing what can be so elusive – peace of mind. When my wife was living with Dementia, I would do anything to reduce that risk. We know caregivers can’t do this alone, so we’re here for them. Protecting those living with Dementia provides peace of mind and relief to those who are always carrying this immense burden of worry,” said Jameson.
The Vital Role of Dementia Society of America
Dementia Society of America’s comprehensive approach encompasses a variety of programs and resources designed to empower and inform:
Education and Awareness: Knowledge is the first step toward effectively addressing and managing Dementia. DSA offers a wealth of non-medical, easy-to-understand educational materials, workshops, and online resources that have been well-received and help families and the public understand the different types of Dementia, their progression, and effective care strategies. “Education is probably the most important component of equipping people to face the issues that arise with Dementia. For example, critical wandering can happen anywhere, from a grocery store to a park, and often stems from a sudden feeling of being unsafe. Understanding this frame of mind is important to getting ahead of and preventing elopement events. When you hear an elder say, ‘I have to get home because my mother is expecting me,’ that is a critical warning sign that an elopement event may be about to occur,” explained Jameson.
Caregiver Tools and Support: Recognizing the immense burden often placed on caregivers, DSA provides practical tools and emotional support. While they do not offer direct services, their support includes providing access to helplines, support groups, and local resources that offer guidance on managing challenging behaviors, promoting self-care, and navigating legal and financial considerations.
Research & Program Funding: Their funding and research are forward-facing while addressing critical present issues. Their work shapes a future where better treatments and prevention methods are within reach.
“On the medical side, our Medical Advisory Council guides us in awarding seed grants to researchers, typically in teaching hospitals. But we are equally committed to the ‘now,’ which is why we champion non-medical programming centered on art, music, movement, and touch. Each year, we recognize the care communities and nonprofits that are using these four modalities to improve the quality of life for those living with Dementia,” said Jameson.
For those who have questions about Dementia or the resources DSA offers, they encourage you to call them at 1-800-DEMENTIA® (1-800-336-3684).
Guest Writer: My Family ID
My Family ID is a smartphone app is designed to store secure biometric data (fingerprints and photos) to safeguard vulnerable populations at risk for critical wandering or go missing, like those living with Dementia. When every second counts, My Family ID ensures caregivers have actionable identifying information to alert first responders.
Because of our commitment to safety, we are thrilled to endorse and partner with nonprofit organizations that share our goals to amplify their impact. “The work Kevin and his team are doing is tremendous,” said Chuck Still, “and I couldn’t be prouder to share it and further their cause.”
Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.